How to Start an Internet Radio Station with MyRadioStream.com

This guide walks you through creating your stream, choosing software, setting up audio and growing your listener base.

1. Create a stream server

Start by creating a free account at myradiostream.com/register. Your free account includes:

  • Shoutcast v2 server
  • Landing page with a built-in player
  • Embeddable player for your site
  • 50 listener slots
  • 128 kbps bitrate allowance

Free accounts do not list your station in public directories and lock your stream to MyRadioStream players.

Upgrade - Webcaster Plus

If you need more control, upgrade to Webcaster Plus. It includes:

  • SSL/TLS support - required for embedding on HTTPS pages
  • 200 listener slots
  • 192 kbps bitrate allowance
  • Public directory listing
  • An unlocked stream you can use with any player (HTML5 etc)

You can upgrade once you've created your account.

2. Choose streaming software

You need software to send audio from your computer or hardware to your MyRadioStream server. Below are recommended choices with short setup steps and a link to detailed instructions.

BUTT - Broadcast Using This Tool

Free and simple. Good as a first option.

  • Download and install BUTT
  • Open BUTT and add a new server with your server details (address, port, password)
  • Select your audio input (mic or system audio)
  • Click Start to go live

Stream with BUTT

Rocket Broadcaster

Free version available. Good for multi-input and advanced routing.

  • Install Rocket Broadcaster
  • Configure an encoder using your stream details
  • Choose input - playlist, mic, or virtual audio cable
  • Click Connect to start streaming

Stream with Rocket Broadcaster

Winamp + Shoutcast DSP

Classic combo. Older software but still reliable for simple music playback.

  • Install Winamp and the Shoutcast DSP plugin
  • Enter your server details in DSP settings
  • Load playlists or play live through Winamp
  • Start the DSP to broadcast

Stream with Shoutcast

Altacast (Edcast / Oddcast)

Lightweight encoder that still works well for straightforward streams.

  • Install Altacast and open the encoder settings
  • Enter your stream settings
  • Select your audio source and connect

Stream with Altacast

Mixxx

Free DJ software with built-in streaming - great if you mix live.

  • Install Mixxx and add your music library
  • Open preferences and set up a Shoutcast connection with your server details
  • Mix live and start broadcasting from Mixxx

Stream with Mixxx

3. Audio setup

Plan your audio chain before you go on air. Here are some common setups and what you need for each.

All in one broadcast software

Programs like Mixxx or Winamp handle playback and streaming inside one app. This is the simplest setup because the software both plays your audio and sends the stream to MyRadioStream.

  • Install the software and point it at your MyRadioStream server
  • Import your music and build playlists
  • Use the built-in encoder to go live

DJ software plus broadcast software

If you use DJ tools like Traktor or Serato, you will usually route the audio into a separate broadcast app such as BUTT or Rocket Broadcaster.

  • Use a virtual audio cable or physical output from your DJ mixer to your PC
  • Set the broadcast software input to that audio source
  • Use the broadcast app to encode and push audio to MyRadioStream

External hardware - turntables, CD decks, mixers

Physical players need an audio interface to connect to your computer.

  • Connect mixer output to an audio interface line in
  • Set your broadcast software to use the interface as the input
  • Set levels on the mixer so you avoid clipping while keeping a strong signal

Microphones

Choose a mic that's most suited to your needs.

  • USB microphones: plug directly into your computer and work right away, no extra hardware needed. This is the easiest way for a beginner to get started.
  • XLR microphones: higher quality for pros, requires an audio interface or mixer with preamps. Some need phantom power, so make sure your mixer or audio interface supports it.
  • Set input gain so that your voice sounds clear and is loud without distortion (clipping).

Headphones and monitoring

Always monitor what you broadcast.

  • We recommend using closed-back headphones to prevent bleed into the mic
  • If you use speakers, mute them or turn them down when the mic is live to avoid feedback (this will put listeners off!)
  • Tip: Check your stream from a separate device to confirm levels and quality in real time

Signal flow - simple example

Turntable or player -> Mixer -> Audio interface -> Broadcast software -> MyRadioStream server

4. Growing your audience

Growing listeners requires consistent effort.

  • Use social media to promote your shows, post links and engage with users
  • Create a website that has shows, times, and contact details
  • Keep a reliable and consistent schedule so listeners know when to listen
  • Share clips and replays to attract new listeners
  • Tip: If you post your landing page on social media then the post will show a play button with your station logo

5. 24-hour streaming

If you want a constant stream, use our AutoDJ addon. This allows you to upload your audio to the server and AutoDJ fills gaps when you are not live. It handles smooth transitions between live and pre-recorded content and even records your live shows so that you can play them back later. It will also automatically upload your shows to MixCloud or SoundCloud once finished (normally takes around 10 mins after the end of the show).

6. Purchasing music

Buy music legally to build a reliable library.

  • Bandcamp - A music marketplace where you can purchase direct from artists. You support independent artists and it's great for discovering new talent.
  • Beatport - Sells mostly electronic and dance music. Great for DJs and you can even subscribe to the LINK service if you have supported software so you can pay monthly instead of per track.
  • Traxsource - Strong on house, soul, and underground dance tracks. Popular with DJs in niche scenes.
  • Juno Download - Large catalog across genres. Offers MP3, WAV, and FLAC formats for flexibility.

7. Music licensing services

Streaming recorded music requires licences. Rules differ by country. Below are key organisations to check.

Check local laws and register with the correct organisations before you broadcast recorded music.

Frequently Asked Questions

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